Chilean volcanic ash causes flight cancelations in Australia

June 11, 2011 – SYDNEY – Qantas has cancelled Tasmania and New Zealand flights after warnings from the Australian and NZ Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAAC), with flights from Hobart, Christchurch and Queenstown to Melbourne and Sydney affected. Chilean volcano Puyehue-Cordón Caulle continues to throw an ash cloud into the southern hemisphere, which has now circled the globe and threatens to affect more flights. Passengers to other airports on New Zealand’s South Island and lower North Island are also likely to be affected, with ash cloud predictions from the Wellington VAAC also covering Wellington. Ash is forecast at 20,000-35,000 feet across the entire South Island and much of the southern North Island, including the capital, Wellington. –Ausbt.com